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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Mark Villar denies hand in PrimeWater deals during DPWH stint

Mark Villar denies hand in PrimeWater deals during DPWH stint

Published Jul 5, 2025 04:56 pm

At A Glance

  • Senator Mark Villar denied any involvement or interest in PrimeWater deals amid government investigations into its joint ventures, which increased when LWUA was under DPWH during his tenure.
Senator Mark Villar said on Saturday, June 5 that he did not participate in any capacity whatsoever in transactions or potential transactions between PrimeWater and any of its partner districts.
Senator Mark Villar (Senate PRIB photo)
Senator Mark Villar (Senate PRIB photo)
''I wish to take this opportunity to clarify that I have no direct or indirect ownership or controlling interest in PrimeWater,'' he said.
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro recently stated in a press conference that they held a meeting with the leadership of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) headed by Administrator Jose Moises Salonga, the OGCC led by Government Corporate Counsel Solomon Hermosura, as well as other colleagues from the Office of the President to study the current situation of PrimeWater consumers.
''Nabatid natin ang malawakang problema na naidulot ng kakulangan ng PrimeWater. Mas dumami ang mga joint venture agreements ng PrimeWater taong 2019, panahon ng nakaraang administrasyon at noong mai-attach ito sa DPWH na noon ay pinamumunuan ni Secretary Mark Villar (We learned about the widespread problems caused by PrimeWater’s shortcomings. The number of PrimeWater’s joint venture agreements increased in 2019, during the previous administration, when it was attached to the DPWH then headed by Secretary Mark Villar),'' she said.
Salonga said that in their initial investigation regarding the complaints against the PrimeWater Joint Venture Agreements, they presented recommendations, findings, and ways forward on how the issuses could be resolved.
''Kasi po there was a time when LWUA was under, as an attached agency of DPWH. The possible conflict doon sa mga namumuno doon and LWUA (Because there was a time when LWUA was under, as an attached agency of the DPWH. There was a possible conflict between those leading the DPWH and LWUA),'' he added.
For his part, Villar said that his focus then had been to implement the national goal of creating critical community infrastructure.
''I have full faith that my service record in those years would bear witness to that focus and commitment,'' he added.

Related Tags

Mark Villar PrimeWater Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA)
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